MIKE Ashley has stepped up his battle with Rangers by becoming a director of their retail division.

The Sports Direct supremo now has a majority influence on the board of Rangers Retail Limited, who control the club’s crest and merchandising rights.

Ashley’s move comes amid increasing tensions with club chief Dave King. Ashley wants King to be jailed over alleged breaches of a gagging order relating to contracts with Sports Direct.

The pair could now do battle across the boardroom table as King is also a director of the retail arm.

Ashley’s appointment was confirmed in documents posted to Companies House yesterday. Records show the billionaire will have two allies on the board – fellow director David Forsey and secretary Cameron Olsen, who are both linked to his Sports Direct empire.

King only has one partner on the board – Rangers FC board member Paul Murray. That suggests boardroom decisions over the merchandising operation will go in favour of Ashley.

Last night, fans’ group Sons of Struth said they were concerned at the lack of power Rangers have over their merchandising wing.

Founder Craig Houston said: “Mike Ashley’s appointment to the board is an act of showmanship.”

Question -1 of 5Score -0 of 0

What did Richie King, who had an electronic tagging order, do when he wound out he was locked out of his house at his curfew?